The Overland Journal podcast recently celebrated its 200th episode in which Publisher Scott Brady, automotive expert Matt Scott, and Senior Editor Ashley Giordano took time to reflect on how overlanding has evolved in recent years. During the conversation, Scott asked Matt, “What do you think in the last five years is the most notable new vehicle for overlanding?” Without hesitation, he answered, “the 4WD Sprinter. It has revolutionized the travel side of overlanding … It’s the vehicle that has gotten the most people outside for the longest amount of time.” The success of the Sprinter is built on its reputation as a legendary commercial workhorse with all iterations providing a generous payload, class-leading reliability, and 500,000+ mile service lives. These credentials, matched with the availability of an AWD variant, meant the vanlife and overlanding communities soon adopted it. Huge demand inspired the aftermarket, which developed a wide array of products to optimize this already capable vehicle for backcountry adventures. Today, we’re seeing an increasing number of travelers transitioning away from larger expedition trucks in favor of the Sprinter 4×4, which provides many of the same benefits at a fraction of the running costs and enjoys access to parts and services worldwide. Cue today’s low-mileage (still under factory warranty) 2021 Mercedes Sprinter 170 4×4 (17,500 miles), which was optioned with the $8,175 Low and High Range 4×4 Package and was built/converted to an exceptional standard by the team at Outside Van. Crucially, this pinnacle build is the brainchild of Kristen Bor (of Bearfoot Theory and the Open Road Vanlife Festival), who has traveled extensively in Sprinter vans since 2016 and subsequently invested almost a decade of learnings to create today’s pinnacle Sprinter (watch the full tour linked below).
From the Seller:
“Outside Van is the best in the business and one of the longest standing conversion companies. The company is known for building off-grid-ready vans that can handle the rough and tumble of the road. This is my second van built by them which attests to their quality. I’ve been doing vanlife for the last eight years, but we recently had a baby and are not using the van as much as we’d like. This rig seats three and sleeps two. There’s tons of storage and lots of counter space for working/cooking. There is only an outdoor shower, but there is a toilet compartment. It’s fully detailed and ready to go home with a new owner in time for the best season of the year (fall).”
2021 Mercedes Sprinter 4×4
The Sprinter is fitted with a 3.0-liter V6 turbo-diesel engine that produces 188 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. A long-lived and relatively economical motor is matched with impressive capability thanks to an intelligent AWD system (35:65 front-rear split), armor, a lifted and uprated suspension, high and low range, and intelligent traction control and hill descent control. Inside, these rugged backcountry attributes are balanced with a well-equipped interior with driver comforts that include:
- Power steering, windows, locks, and mirrors
- Infotainment system with navigation, 10.25-inch display
- Cruise control
- Keyless start
- Cupholders
- Swivel captain’s chairs (3)
- Premium audio
- Leather steering wheel
- Active Lane Keeping and Blind Spot Assist
- Overhead control panel
- USB and 12-volt power outlets and 115-volt socket
- Parking Package with 360-degree cameras
- Side entry steps
Distinguishing Features
- Outside Van camper conversion (see original listing for full details)
- Black Rhino Stadium wheels with BFGoodrich KO2 tires
- Lithionics lithium batteries (630 amp-hours total), Zamp solar (300 watts), 2,000-watt Magnum inverter, dual alternators for optimal charging, and various power outlets
- Isotherm refrigerator
- Webasto Air Top Evo 40 diesel heating system
- Freshwater (28 gallons), carbon water filter, Espar Hydronic diesel water heating system
- Trelino toilet
- ARB air compressor with three locations to connect the hose
- Fiamma awning
- Rigid Industries lighting
- Custom roof rack
- Owl Vans B2 rear door rack, Mini Sherpa mounting plate, medium expedition box, and spare tire/ladder combo
- Agile Offroad RIP kit, upgraded suspension with Fox shocks, rear leaf spring system and no-rub front tire fender to accommodate bigger wheels
- Outdoor shower with hot/cold water
- Rear garage with sliding tray for bikes/gear
- Maxxair fans (2)
This 2021 Mercedes Sprinter 4×4 Outside Van conversion is listed for $199,000 and is currently located in Salt Lake City, Utah. Check the full vehicle specifications via the original Expedition Portal forum post here.
Contact Information:
Email: kristenbor@gmail.com
Instagram: @bearfoottheory
